--%>

understanding of genes and their products

For this assignment you will have to make use of information and skills gained throughout the 4 weeks of the introductory programme. This may be understanding of genes & their products, how to find and reference information from different sources, and specifically how to execute code in Perl, Java and R - it will also test your logical thinking and a little bit of basic maths!

Part A. 

You are provided with an HGNC gene symbol - HTRA1. This protein is involved with Human disease. Prepare a one-page summary of the gene, its product, the disease and the protein/gene's role in the disease.

Part B. 

Obtain the sequence for the gene and the sequence for the RNA transcript in FASTA format. If there is more than one transcript choose and appropriate one and explain your choice. Using Perl, convert the FASTA format files into a simple strings containing only nucleotides - save those for later -  and determine the amino acid sequence of the protein.

Part C. 

Using the sequences prepared with Perl, calculate the molecular weight of the Gene vs mRNA vs protein using Java.

Part D. You now have sequences for gene, RNA and protein. Write an R script to calculate answers to the following:

By taking the current estimate of global population and multiplying that by the estimate for the average number of cells in the human body, determine the total number of nucleotides representing the coding part of the gene in living humans.

If all of these nucleotides were printed out using 12pt Arial font on A4 with 3cm margins and the sheets laid end-to-end, how long would it take to drive along the paper at 30km/h ? For comparison, how long would it take to drive the length of this sequence of nucleotides at the same speed, if it was in the form of a molecule of double-stranded DNA helix laid end-to-end ?

Presentation. 

There are also 10 marks available for good presentation of part A, correct referencing and well formatted/commented code.

Submission

You should submit your one page summary, Perl, Java and R scripts along with the solution to the two final questions to the Digital Drop Box on Blackboard .

Throughout the assignment, reference your sources of information appropriately.

   Related Questions in Biology

  • Q : Name the place where thyroid gland is

    Name the place in the body where the thyroid gland is positioned? Answer: The thyroid is situated in the anterior cervical region (or frontal neck), in front of the

  • Q : Six Stage Model-Group Development -

    Linda jewel and joseph reitz:  he had developed a six stage model of group development it includes: orientation, conflict and challenge, cohesion, delusion, disillusion and acceptance. a.      Orientation: in this stage, unce

  • Q : Human diseases caused by virus Write

    Write down the some human diseases which are caused by the virus and what are their respective modes of the transmission?

  • Q : Temperature affect-Action of enzymes

    How does temperature affect the action of enzymes upon their substrates?

  • Q : Authentic leadership and emotional

    Compare and contrast authentic leadership and emotional intelligence. What leadership theory do you think is better? Why?

  • Q : Adaptation preventing red maple What

    What adaptation prevents red maple (Acer rubrum) trees and other native woody perennials in Wisconsin from being injured by extremely cold temperatures following a three-week period of warmth (temperatures well above freezing) in January? Red maple ha

  • Q : Variables in SAP Variables in SAP :

    Variables in SAP: Variables are parameters of a query which are set in the parameter query definition and are not filled with values till the queries are inserted into work-books. There are various types of variables that are used in various applicati

  • Q : Phenomenon resonance Define the term

    Define the term phenomenon resonance?

  • Q : Impact of Globalization in

    Growing internationalization of business has its impact on people management. The amazement is required to cope with problems of unfamiliar laws, languages, practices, competitors, attitudes, management styles, work ethics, and more, personnel functions such as hiring, training, compensating, mai

  • Q : Surrogate keys Why surrogate keys are

    Why surrogate keys are used?